The market to remove liquids from oil, fuels and gas is close to $2 billion/yr. and includes a range of devices to remove both small and large droplets as well as water in emulsified solutions. Water and other liquids need to be removed from natural and synthetic gas.

Common applications are:

Gas processing plants

Pipeline compressor stations

Storage

LNG liquefaction/Regas plants

Natural gas processing consists of separating hydrocarbons and fluids from pure natural gas to produce pipeline quality dry natural gas to be fed to gas transportation systems. High efficiency cartridge L/G coalescers are used for vapor removal from the gas stream during processing and transportation. Typically, they are used downstream from other separation equipment including centrifugal separators, mist eliminators and mesh pads.

Liquid-liquid coalescers can be stationary or mobile. Applications include oil in upstream applications as well as fuels. In the stationary segment, the major players, account for approximately 30 percent of the revenues. The media is supplied by a limited number of companies such as Lydall and Hollingsworth & Vose.

Mercury exists in natural gas in the vapor phase and must be removed prior to contact with aluminum components in processing plants. Carbon beds have typically been used for this removal. Multiple carbon beds are needed. One is regenerated while the other is removing the mercury. Some of the newer sources of gas such as found in Malaysia are experiencing mercury levels 40 times higher than found elsewhere. The problems caused by frequent regeneration inspired considerable research As a result, new technologies such as ionic liquid impregnated pellets are now available. They show much higher holding capacity than carbon beds. System suppliers are providing multiple vessels with switching valves and regeneration processes complete with blowers.
Source: McIlvaine Company